Cost of War In Iraq

October 24, 2011

WORLD FOOD DAY: In New Mexico Kids Suffered Food Hardship in 2010

The Food Research and Action Center released a report Thursday on rates of food hardship over the year 2010, finding that 28.3 percent of New Mexico families with children had trouble getting food on the table in the past year.

The report took polling data from Gallup. Gallup asks: “Have there been times in the past twelve months when you did not have enough money to buy food that your or your family needed?” A yes answer means food hardship.

New Mexico had the 12th-highest rate of food hardship in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, with 28.3 percent of families with children and 16.5 percent of families without children experiencing food hardship.

The Albuquerque metro area had the 18th-highest rate with virtually identical rates of 28.2 percent of families with children and 15.8 percent of families without children experiencing food hardship.

The question asked didn’t address issues like the duration or frequency of food hardship. Regardless, the numbers are high. For additional information visit the New Mexico Center for Law and Poverty’s page on food stamp benefits in New Mexico http://nmpovertylaw.org/WP-nmclp/wordpress/?page_id=49. Gov. Martinez has also announced she will ask the legislature to reauthorize additional state food aid that supplements the federal SNAP benefit.

Comments

1. Does our food system protect the average American as much as it could? Our food system does not protect the average American as much as it should. This is due to the fact that the food industryis all business too. That is why there are GMOs, to produce more in order to increase profit. The government should make sure the chains in the food industry deliver food that is adequate for the average American to consume.
2. Should food be inspected for health and safety or should our food be ‘Buyer Beware’? Food should be inspected for health and safety. I am all for the good of the people; why shouldn’t it be taken into consideration the health and safety of everyone? After all, it includes us as well. Not only that, but a healthier society would mean so much more to the nation, including more productivity and efficiency in everyone’s life.
3. Did the film make you aware of anything you were not aware of? I am vegan, so I already knew about 97% of the information presented. I actually did some research, read a book, watched many documentary films on animal rights, slaughterhouses, farming, the environment, global warming etc. It all lead me to lead a vegan lifestyle. My main reason for such decision is protecting animals. On a slightly different note, there is always so many new things to learn. One of the things I learned (I was surprised not to have realized or heard this already) is that chickens have been modified to have larger breasts due to the demand of white meat. It makes perfect sense those approximations would be taken by farms, it just never went through my head. Another fact I learned is a reason why farmers hire undocumented workers and/or African American men; “because they have no rights and will not complain.” Now that is acting upon prejudice, something horrible.
4. What concerns do you have about the school lunch system in America? There are two main concerns I have about the school lunch system in America: First, kids are being exposed to unhealthy food that cause diseases and has very very little nutrition. Second, with the food they are being fed, they are being taught that it IS healthy. The chicken they receive is infested with chemicals, hormones, preservatives, and pesticides that remain from all the food fed to the chickens and the process they go in the slaughterhouses.

1.No our food system does not protect the average american as much as it could.
2.I think our food should be inspected more and not less and after watching the film Food Inc. our food should be buyer beware. This should be for the consumer safety.
3.The film Food Inc made me aware of the way our food is being process in the United States and the way the government is not protected americans lifes.
4. My concerns about the school system in American is that we Americans should give our kids the best source of food we can in order for our kids to grow and to eat foods that are healthly for them.

Environmental problems become Social Problems when the impact disrupts the livelihood of the citizens. For example: The Oil spill/explosion in the Gulf disrupted the livelihood of all the citizens in and around the Gulf.

Social: adj, denoting or relating to human society or any of its subdivisions.

2) What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What Was your score and is it what you expected?

I learned there is more I could be doing to reduce my eco-footprint even more. My score was “54 Eco-Ally” but I should be doing more. My dad has solar lights in the yard instead of plugins. I take reusable bags to the store and use them all the time. I only drive when I absolutely have to (like to go grocery shopping) and my mom drives to work. I use the bus to get to school or the store if I don’t want to drive. I did get a score I expected because I know how good I do with being ecofriendly. My weakness is electricity. I always have a light on or the tv on or my laptop plugged in. I do try to keep most lights off in the daytime though.

3) How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?

I believe it is a combination of both. For example: If the oil platform in the Gulf had not been built, it would never have exploded and affected the livelihood of the fishermen in the Gulf.

4) Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity?

Each of us need to think of something to change in our society and then send it in to our legislation. If each of us think of one thing (all different) it would make an impact on our legislation and there are so many things we can change.

5) What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?

Make the specific change that we want law, that way the 80% of citizens that don’t usually comply, will have to comply or face fines (for example, littering is a $300-$3,000 fine depending on where you are).

What is social?
so•cial
adj \ˈsō-shəl\
Definition of SOCIAL: of or relating to human society, the interaction of the individual and the group, or the welfare of human beings as members of society http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social
Environmental problems are social problems because they affect us all. We all are currently living on this planet and when it is no longer able to sustain life for us, than we all perish. No one is favored over another by “mother earth”. We all will suffer for the doing of those that are not concerned about the damage they are causing.
I believe that we all need to do a little more in order to save our planet, yet I scored a 16; ECO-NOVICE. How sad was that? I am ashamed to even have to admit that in this posting, but I am willing to try a bit harder and teach my family a little more every day. It’s a start.
I feel that there is enough blame to go around. It would be easier to say that the system is to blame. But if you really think about it, there would be no system; or at least a whole lot less, if there was no demand for so much stuff. We the people need to cut back. We have grown into a lazy, techy, now society.
The “person” needs to make a stand and stop shopping and start buying smart. I know that if I did not buy another piece of clothing, I would have enough to last me a good 10 years. Yet we just make plans to upgrade to a walk-in closet instead of going through our stuff and making some hard decisions.
We the “people” need to continue to make sure that the government does not forget about the environment problems. We need to communicate to our local state government what issues we feel are important. And they will be the ones to take the fight to Washington. That is why it is very important to know who is running in your local elections. Read about the person, see how they voted in the past. From the scorecard information I received on New Mexico and Colorado, democrats seem to have the highest score, while republicans scored as low as 6%, in both states.

1) What makes ‘ environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
Dictionary.com defines 'social' as "of or pertaining to human society". By this definition environmental problems are social because as a society we create environmental problems in the form of pollution.
2) What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What Was your score and is it what you expected ? I was actually under the impression that Monsanto had more of a hand in US food, to our detriment too, I imagine..My score was a 27, so I'm an eco-apprentice, as such I 'm doing good but there is room for improvement.
3) How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
I think everyone is to blame; as individuals we could do our personal share to help the environment, but on a larger scale, we have the #'s to push the government in the right direction as well.
4) Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
Its seems trivial, but not littering has a huge impact on a place. The town I grew up in was so polluted it led to a ban on plastic grocery bags in all grocery stores. I can remember how bad it was at the height of it's most polluted, these plastic bags would completely cover up chain link fences, just awful. On an individual basis this means not throwing seemingly non-impactful trash (receipts, wrappers,etc.) wherever u may be. On a larger scale it means getting specific, useful legislature passed, like the one mentioned before.
5) What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
Acknowledgement is key first of all. I think the environment should be an issue more at the forefront rather than being treated like an afterthought.
6) How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
New Mexico ranks pretty good in comparison. Like always there is room for improvement, esp. now with Martinez rubbing elbows with lobbyists in the cattle industry who r notorious for their disregard for the environment.

1) What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’ Definition of Social-of or relating to human society, the interaction of the individual and the group, or the welfare of human beings as members of society. The reason environmental problems are social problems is because the environment connects the entire world. What we create in the air today will be in someone else air tomorrow. We live on one earth and it is a closed system so everything affects the whole.

2) What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What Was your scoreand is it what you expected ? I scored a 49 it was higher than I thought it would be I do try to look at what I can do to save me money not so much environmental but in the end one seems to affect the other.

3) How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both? It is a combination for sure. Individuals don’t want to give up their own personal interests to make changes. And The system is driven by the few that are looking to their own interests and profit

4) Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity. Government could put more control industrial waste. Force places to stop putting so many toxins into our environment. Then problem with that is the companies will just move over sea where they are so revenue starved they will allow almost anything. On a smaller scale I see SOOOOOOO much paper waste in the business I work in. The childcare industries use so much paper needlessly. I see pamphlets and booklets handed out at trainings that could have been done on a much smaller scale and with less paper. Or even print it on the back of recycled papers. I know I would not mind getting a handout from a training that was printed on the back side of a newsletter copy that may not have printed right. It work we always have paper around that I can reuse for parent notes, painting and making notepads instead of buying pot-its As for my own role. I am finding that trying to save money I am also making green choices by reusing, questioning purchases and growing my own garden.

5) What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems? That one is hard because putting restrictions on company waste will lead to jobs moving overseas, I think the best way is to invest in renewable energy such as wind or solar.

6) How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions? I looked like most of the NM score were positive, except for Steve Peirce. I cannot say if it is accurate or not I don’t really read enough about what they are doing; I know I am bad. I do pay more attention to local government and follow what Rhonda King does for my district. I also picked Fl because we may be moving there in a year. It seemed like it was all over the place more score were low but there were some very positive scores for a few.

) What makes environmental problems social? Social is the interaction of organisms with other organisms and their collective co-existence, irrespective of whether they are aware of it or not and whether their interaction is voluntary or not. (Wikipedia) The environment affects all of us around the world. The disregard, waste and poor decisions affect everyone just as our proactive approach and positive actions and decisions will affect everyone. The lack of resources and over abundance of some resources will affect the decisions made by individuals.

2) What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected? My score from the Eco-footprint quiz was a 34 which makes me an Eco-apprentice. That score is a little higher then I though it would be. As I was reading the questions I kept thinking wow there is so much I am not doing. I make some good choices and try to be conscientious about recycling and food choices but there is definitely room for improvement.

3) How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both? I think it is a combination of both. We often like to convince ourselves that we are doing everything we can, when in reality we are doing very little. We recycle the coke can from lunch but drive home in an F250 that gets 8 mpg. We pay our water bill every month yet by plastic bottles with water in them. Did you know that a pitcher with a water filter and a reusable water bottle is just as effective and cheaper. We use electricity freely without thinking. Look around your house right now, there is at TV on in one room a computer on a light at the desk, a radio in your child’s room maybe even a light. your house is warm and your are comfortable. These are a few people blame examples. Of course, the system is to blame as well. Policies that affect the environment are usually at the front of debates and causes to cut expenses. Huge cooperation’s are constantly breaking the environmental “laws” in order to mass produce their product. Looking the other way as long as they endorse the right political figure keeps them out of the lime light. Money is the biggest motivator anywhere.

4) Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involved legislation or policy changes in the wider society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy). For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity. Being informed is the first and most important step. Research the products you use in your everyday life and how they effect the environment. The choices you make today effect the environment you leave for your children so make it a priority to do what is right. If everyone just did one more thing that is better then it is now. As for the wider perspective, our legislation needs to continue to make the environment a priority and needs to do their job in protecting it and introduce bills that make sense and actually help the environment get better. They need to develop and then enforce regulations that decrease pollutants released into the air and regulate the handling of refuse and waste. They need to look at issues like confined farming where livestock are forced to live in cramped, unsanitary conditions as opposed to open range farming. At some point, individuals, businesses and the government need to realize that if we don't take this issue seriously, it really won't matter because we will have destroyed the very place we call home.

5) What can our local and state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems? First they can take a pay cut and offer more funds for environmental friendly policies. Once they come up with a solution they need to fully commit to the process and see it through. Force the larger corporations to due their part.

6) How do New Mexico's members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League (of) Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league's conclusions? According to the League of Conservation Voters, both Senator's Bingaman and Udall scored 100% and Representatives Heinrich and Lujan scored 91% and 97% respectively. Representative Pearce scored a dismal 6%. Although it appears that most of New Mexico’s members are pro environmental issues there is always more to do. I am not sure I fully believe because it always seems that the environmental issues are the ones pushed aside for “important” issues but who are they important to not the everyday citizen but the ones who actual donate to the campaign.

1) What makes environmental problems social? Social is the interaction of organisms with other organisms and their collective co-existence, irrespective of whether they are aware of it or not and whether their interaction is voluntary or not. (Wikipedia) When it comes to the environmental problems we face today, they are most definitely social. The environment affects all of us around the world. The importance or lack thereof, that we give the environment affects every other individual in every other country. Our disregard, waste and poor decisions affect everyone just as our proactive approach and positive actions and decisions will affect everyone.
2) What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected? My score from the Eco-footprint quiz was a 36 which makes me an Eco-apprentice. That score is about where I thought I would be, I make some good choices and try to be conscientious about recycling and food choices but there is definitely room for improvement. A lot of my choices while benefiting the environment were not made with that idea in mind but more to benefit me personally or my wallet (as in the case of lowering my thermostat and putting on a sweatshirt).
3) How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both? I think it is a combination of both. In my opinion, too many of us citizens go around with blinders on. We know the environment is in trouble but many of us don't do our fair share. We recycle but we drive gas guzzlers (I'm guilty). We buy water in plastic bottles (guilty again). We grocery shop without label reading or stopping to consider where that product came from and what went in to getting it on to our shelf. We don't buy organic because it is more expensive. We don't do our homework and get really familiar with the issues and what is behind them. Of course, the system is to blame as well. Policies that affect the environment are often on the chopping block in an effort to save money. Large corporations are contributing to the decline of our environment but are not held accountable and when they are, they just look for an escape route to do business elsewhere. These corporations don't seem to care and have been blinded by the bottom line of making money and lots of it, regardless of the cost or damage. If we the people and we the government don't make our environment a priority, our children and their children will most certainly pay for it.
4) Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involved legislation or policy changes in the wider society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy). For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity. The first thing each of us can do is to get more informed. The more knowledge we have about things like the cars we drive, the food we eat and the products we use and their effect on our environment, the more we able to make positive choices that will benefit the world in which we live. We all need to make the environment a priority in our lives and make a commitment to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem and I believe arming ourselves with knowledge is the first step. Personally, I can continue to recycle, and be more aware of the products I use and their effect on the environment. As for the wider perspective, our legislation needs to continue to make the environment a priority and needs to do their job in protecting it and introduce bills that make sense and actually help the environment get better. They need to develop and then enforce regulations that decrease pollutants released into the air and regulate the handling of refuse and waste. They need to look at issues like confined farming where livestock are forced to live in cramped, unsanitary conditions as opposed to open range farming. At some point, individuals, businesses and the government need to realize that if we don't take this issue seriously, it really won't matter because we will have destroyed the very place we call home.
5) What can our local and state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems? First of all, I think all levels of government can do their job and make sure current policies and regulations are enforced and hold the violators accountable. They can work together to come up with solutions that make sense and actually fix the problem rather than just put a band-aid on it. I think mandating mandatory recycling for every citizen is a start in the right direction. Working to restore the Clean Water Act so that once again our rivers and streams are protected not only for the environment but also as a source of clean drinking water. I think working to get off oil is huge and each level of government needs to work towards that end by raising the standards for fuel efficiency and other energy saving initiatives.
6) How do New Mexico's members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League (of) Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league's conclusions? According to the League of Conservation Voters, both Senator's Bingaman and Udall scored 100% and Representatives Heinrich and Lujan scored 91% and 97% respectively. Representative Pearce scored a dismal 6%. So it appears that the bulk of our congressional representation is pro-environment and is fighting for preservation of our planet. According to Grassroots Press.com dated December 31, 2009 Environment New Mexico "applauds our Congressional delegation for being heroes for the environment. Both of our senators, as well as two of our representatives have consistently voted to put the environment ahead of special interests." In addition they wrote, "Senator Bingaman is the chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee which puts him in unique position to champion environmental issues on the national level. "I am fortunate to chair the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. In that capacity, I am able to help protect our nation's special places and better position the country to shift to cleaner energy. We've made some progress already on both those fronts during this Congress and I look forward to continuing to advance these issues in 2010," Bingaman said." Based on what I have read and the information from the League of Conservation Voters, I would say that our senators and representatives are doing a good job and will continue to do so in the fight for a better environment. When looking at the Scorecard on LCV.org, I also chose to look at the state of Illinois (where I lived from 1998 to 2010)to check out their voting environmental scorecard and was very disillusioned. Their two senators had 91% and 18% and of their 19 representatives, only 7 had a score of above 90% with the highest being 97%. The rest of the representatives fell below 57% with the lowest being just a mere 3%. After I saw this, I wanted to know a little more so I did some googling and found an interesting article from PRNewswire.com (Chicago, August 17, 2011)that talks about the "Dirty Dozen or the twelve member's of Illinois' Congressional delegation who are working to block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)from cleaning up toxic coal ash dump sites, even though Illinois has the second highest concentration in the US of such pollution problems and in spite of that fact, state officials are doing nothing to clean up the problem." After reading this, I found myself feeling like New Mexico Congressional Representation stacks up pretty good and I hope they only continue their efforts on behalf of New Mexico and the environment.

According to merriam-webster.com, social is defined as "of or relating to human society, the interaction of the individual and the group, or the welfare of human beings as members of society". Environmental issues and problems are absolutely social. We can't have solutions unless everyone conforms to abiding by them. But at one point will everyone agree? Ever? Doubt that will ever happen because everyone has their own problems and issues with certain things. And until we can all agree nothing will ever seem to get solved.
After taking a food and eco quiz I found out I was an eco-novice and new very little about what was being put into my food. When I was reviewing the eco quiz I felt like I did everything I could. I recycle, I try not to waste water, and I don't use energy if it's unnecessary. But that's not all I can do. I can be checking food lables and I could be doing a lot more than my part.
After reviewing the "Story About Stuff" video I was disgusted with how things are being ran and the Government. I can't believe how we, as a society, have become nothing according to the Government. We have no say and they don't believe we have the right to know about what's going on with our environment and trash. Since corporations have become bigger than the government the government has been "kissing the butt" of the corporations. So our environmental problems we, as people, as well as the system is to blame.
Like I said before there is no way we can have solutions unless everyone is going to put in the effort to make a difference. That means making healthier lunches for the children at school, not spending as much on the things that are not necessary, being more resourceful, and not becoming an ever consuming country. At what point is enough going to be enough? Because at this rate our children and grandchildren aren't going to have a world to live in.

The word “social” is both a noun and an adjective. One of the five adjective meanings is “of or pertaining to human society” according to dictionary.com. By the definition, environmental problems would be considered social problems. The environment pertains to human society because it is where humans live.

2) What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected?

I learned from the Eco-footprint quiz that there is more that I could be doing for the environment. I received a score of 27 and was ranked an eco-apprentice. After taking the food quiz I realized that I didn’t know as much about how the foods I eat are produced than I thought I did.

3) How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?

I think our environmental problems are a mix of both person and system blame. I think many individuals that make environmental decisions are somewhat at fault and so is the rest of society for not stepping up to try to fix the problems. System is at fault because we have created a system where profits are the number one goal and the environment often pays the price. It is cheaper to get things done in a way that damages the environment than it is in a way that protects and preserves the environment.

4) Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.

One obvious individual change I could make to benefit the environment is recycling and just using less. Another thing I can do is to teach my children the importance of taking care of the environment. A broader change I could try to make is to support causes that are “green” and vote for people and policies that will benefit the environment.

5) What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?

The government can impose stricter regulations on companies when it comes to pollution. They also could require new homes, appliances, and other products to meet a certain level of energy efficiency. I think awareness is a big part of the problem. If the government and the officials don’t know that the environment needs help than they are unlikely to do anything about it. The same goes for the public. If those in charge don’t inform the public about the state of the environment than people aren’t going to work as hard to make changes.

6) How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?

According to the League of Conservative Voters, the New Mexico democrat members of congress are all above 91% whereas the one republican member is at 6%. The other state I looked at is Minnesota and most the democrat members of congress were above 74% and there was only one democrat that was at 20%. The highest republican percentage was 29%. By looking at the numbers, one would think that the democrats were more concerned about the environment than the republicans. I don’t think this is true for everyone and I have not done much research on the topic but it seems like that is how it works for these two states. I think that the fact that the League of Conservative Voters is mostly democrat may somewhat affect the numbers but I am not completely sure.

1)What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
o The word social means “of or relating to society or its organization.” That said, environmental problems are social because they affect every single person on earth. The consequences off environmental problems are spread to each person, whether we are aware of it or not, we are affected by it with the water we drink, products we use, foods we consume, and health issues that arise due to the exposure of toxins in our environment and lack of education about important issues.

2)What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected?
o I scored a 30 in the Eco-footprint quiz. It was very similar to other quizzes I have taken on my carbon foot-print in the environment. I had already known most of the questions and information given, so I was not surprised with my score. However, I was not aware of some “solutions” that were provided to be more eco-friendly. For example, you can call a toll 1-800 number to get your name removed from junk mail.
Also, I am a vegetarian, but started out as a vegan. Thus, I knew all questions and information from the food quiz as well. Taking both quizzes, as well as reading them just reinforced my feelings towards what I do; recycle, use my own re-usable shopping bags when shopping, encourage others to reduce their carbon foot-print, talk to others about helping the environment, purchasing eco-friendly products, and most of all the reasons why I chose to become a vegetarian.
3)How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
o Sadly, environmental problems are caused due to the actions of humans that originated decades ago. In the United States, such actions were mainly for the purpose of stimulating consumption, however, all countries contribute in one way or another due to the things humans demand to live. Whether the problems range from health issues, bad economy, broken education and health care systems, or toxins in the environment, I believe the environmental problems are mainly a consequence of the system. Unfortunately, because the system; government and corporations have the total power to encourage activities that harm the environment by brainwashing the population to stimulate consumerism. Since we require things to live; food, clothing, electricity, products, etc., people are also to blame. As consumers, we are encouraging the government and corporations to keep doing what they are doing because we listen to what they have to portray to us. Whether it is by advertisements or political expressions, the people are easily influenced to unconsciously contribute to environmental problems. I believe education about all these issues is the main reason why very few people take actions. Most people are not aware of the effects of even throwing away a plastic bottle rather than recycling it.
4)Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
o Among the many steps we can each take to reduce environmental problems, are; recycling, purchasing organic foods and green/eco-friendly products, using our own re-usable bags when shopping, adjusting our thermometers at home to appropriate degrees, turning lights off and unplugging electrical cords when not in use, sharing cars for trips/ carpooling, and advocating information to others about what they can do to help reduce environmental problems.
Also, to reduce environmental problems, we can and should take broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society. Such actions would really bring attention to the current environmental problems we face and inform people that a change is necessary. Once a large number of the population takes action together, then we would see changes from the government as they would be under vast pressure. As a capitalist nation, the regulations government needs to focus on primarily are those that will force companies to change their laws for the common good. For example, the policy of planned obsolescence should be banned. As simple as it may sound, it would create a huge impact on society, which would of course change the profits of companies drastically, but what has to be done, must be done! Congress must really begin to approve legislations based on the well being of our environment and the people. This cycle has to stop, we have no back-up for the resources earth provides and it is important to make changes in the legislation. For example, I shop at Natural Grocers, if you don’t take your own re-usable bags, you get your products in a box. When you buy a lot of things, it is a pain to carry all the boxes in and out of the car! It is a small and simple example, however, if government imposed a law that ALL stores must provide boxes to all customers who do not take their own re-usable bags, the plastic consumption would dramatically decrease!
5)What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
To address environmental problems the first thing all forms of government must do is educate people about the consequences even the smallest, simplest actions have on the environment. People have to know how actions are affecting their health due to pollution due to the manufacturing and disposal of literally everything we come in contact with. From shopping every weekend, to purchasing house cleaners, speeding up on the road, etc. all give rise to environmental problems. I believe people’s attention would be obtained easily if everything is mentioned and we would begin to see changes as a society.
6)How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
New Mexico’s members of congress have positive and efficient plans set to improve and sustain a healthy environment for New Mexican’s and its wildlife. However, the Governors unexplained vetoes do not help at all. It was stated she is the most anti-environmental governor in New Mexico’s history, that is enough to know to conclude where the future of New Mexico is going in terms of its environment. Ranging from the Colleges in Energy Efficiency & Bonding Act, to Endangered Species Act Enforcement Study, all acts are vital for the environment of New Mexico. If we don’t work together today to make a difference in the future, then nothing will ever improve. On the contrary, pollution in our environment, as well as the extinction of already endangered wildlife, will just worsen. As issues get worse, it will get more difficult to find solutions to such issues.

1)What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
o The word social means “of or relating to society or its organization.” That said, environmental problems are social because they affect every single person on earth. The consequences off environmental problems are spread to each person, whether we are aware of it or not, we are affected by it with the water we drink, products we use, foods we consume, and health issues that arise due to the exposure of toxins in our environment and lack of education about important issues.

2)What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected?
o I scored a 30 in the Eco-footprint quiz. It was very similar to other quizzes I have taken on my carbon foot-print in the environment. I had already known most of the questions and information given, so I was not surprised with my score. However, I was not aware of some “solutions” that were provided to be more eco-friendly. For example, you can call a toll 1-800 number to get your name removed from junk mail.
Also, I am a vegetarian, but started out as a vegan. Thus, I knew all questions and information from the food quiz as well. Taking both quizzes, as well as reading them just reinforced my feelings towards what I do; recycle, use my own re-usable shopping bags when shopping, encourage others to reduce their carbon foot-print, talk to others about helping the environment, purchasing eco-friendly products, and most of all the reasons why I chose to become a vegetarian.
3)How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
o Sadly, environmental problems are caused due to the actions of humans that originated decades ago. In the United States, such actions were mainly for the purpose of stimulating consumption, however, all countries contribute in one way or another due to the things humans demand to live. Whether the problems range from health issues, bad economy, broken education and health care systems, or toxins in the environment, I believe the environmental problems are mainly a consequence of the system. Unfortunately, because the system; government and corporations have the total power to encourage activities that harm the environment by brainwashing the population to stimulate consumerism. Since we require things to live; food, clothing, electricity, products, etc., people are also to blame. As consumers, we are encouraging the government and corporations to keep doing what they are doing because we listen to what they have to portray to us. Whether it is by advertisements or political expressions, the people are easily influenced to unconsciously contribute to environmental problems. I believe education about all these issues is the main reason why very few people take actions. Most people are not aware of the effects of even throwing away a plastic bottle rather than recycling it.
4)Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
o Among the many steps we can each take to reduce environmental problems, are; recycling, purchasing organic foods and green/eco-friendly products, using our own re-usable bags when shopping, adjusting our thermometers at home to appropriate degrees, turning lights off and unplugging electrical cords when not in use, sharing cars for trips/ carpooling, and advocating information to others about what they can do to help reduce environmental problems.
Also, to reduce environmental problems, we can and should take broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society. Such actions would really bring attention to the current environmental problems we face and inform people that a change is necessary. Once a large number of the population takes action together, then we would see changes from the government as they would be under vast pressure. As a capitalist nation, the regulations government needs to focus on primarily are those that will force companies to change their laws for the common good. For example, the policy of planned obsolescence should be banned. As simple as it may sound, it would create a huge impact on society, which would of course change the profits of companies drastically, but what has to be done, must be done! Congress must really begin to approve legislations based on the well being of our environment and the people. This cycle has to stop, we have no back-up for the resources earth provides and it is important to make changes in the legislation. For example, I shop at Natural Grocers, if you don’t take your own re-usable bags, you get your products in a box. When you buy a lot of things, it is a pain to carry all the boxes in and out of the car! It is a small and simple example, however, if government imposed a law that ALL stores must provide boxes to all customers who do not take their own re-usable bags, the plastic consumption would dramatically decrease!
5)What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
To address environmental problems the first thing all forms of government must do is educate people about the consequences even the smallest, simplest actions have on the environment. People have to know how actions are affecting their health due to pollution due to the manufacturing and disposal of literally everything we come in contact with. From shopping every weekend, to purchasing house cleaners, speeding up on the road, etc. all give rise to environmental problems. I believe people’s attention would be obtained easily if everything is mentioned and we would begin to see changes as a society.
6)How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
New Mexico’s members of congress have positive and efficient plans set to improve and sustain a healthy environment for New Mexican’s and its wildlife. However, the Governors unexplained vetoes do not help at all. It was stated she is the most anti-environmental governor in New Mexico’s history, that is enough to know to conclude where the future of New Mexico is going in terms of its environment. Ranging from the Colleges in Energy Efficiency & Bonding Act, to Endangered Species Act Enforcement Study, all acts are vital for the environment of New Mexico. If we don’t work together today to make a difference in the future, then nothing will ever improve. On the contrary, pollution in our environment, as well as the extinction of already endangered wildlife, will just worsen. As issues get worse, it will get more difficult to find solutions to such issues.

1)What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
o The word social means “of or relating to society or its organization.” That said, environmental problems are social because they affect every single person on earth. The consequences off environmental problems are spread to each person, whether we are aware of it or not, we are affected by it with the water we drink, products we use, foods we consume, and health issues that arise due to the exposure of toxins in our environment and lack of education about important issues.

2)What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected?
o I scored a 30 in the Eco-footprint quiz. It was very similar to other quizzes I have taken on my carbon foot-print in the environment. I had already known most of the questions and information given, so I was not surprised with my score. However, I was not aware of some “solutions” that were provided to be more eco-friendly. For example, you can call a toll 1-800 number to get your name removed from junk mail.
Also, I am a vegetarian, but started out as a vegan. Thus, I knew all questions and information from the food quiz as well. Taking both quizzes, as well as reading them just reinforced my feelings towards what I do; recycle, use my own re-usable shopping bags when shopping, encourage others to reduce their carbon foot-print, talk to others about helping the environment, purchasing eco-friendly products, and most of all the reasons why I chose to become a vegetarian.
3)How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
o Sadly, environmental problems are caused due to the actions of humans that originated decades ago. In the United States, such actions were mainly for the purpose of stimulating consumption, however, all countries contribute in one way or another due to the things humans demand to live. Whether the problems range from health issues, bad economy, broken education and health care systems, or toxins in the environment, I believe the environmental problems are mainly a consequence of the system. Unfortunately, because the system; government and corporations have the total power to encourage activities that harm the environment by brainwashing the population to stimulate consumerism. Since we require things to live; food, clothing, electricity, products, etc., people are also to blame. As consumers, we are encouraging the government and corporations to keep doing what they are doing because we listen to what they have to portray to us. Whether it is by advertisements or political expressions, the people are easily influenced to unconsciously contribute to environmental problems. I believe education about all these issues is the main reason why very few people take actions. Most people are not aware of the effects of even throwing away a plastic bottle rather than recycling it.
4)Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
o Among the many steps we can each take to reduce environmental problems, are; recycling, purchasing organic foods and green/eco-friendly products, using our own re-usable bags when shopping, adjusting our thermometers at home to appropriate degrees, turning lights off and unplugging electrical cords when not in use, sharing cars for trips/ carpooling, and advocating information to others about what they can do to help reduce environmental problems.
Also, to reduce environmental problems, we can and should take broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society. Such actions would really bring attention to the current environmental problems we face and inform people that a change is necessary. Once a large number of the population takes action together, then we would see changes from the government as they would be under vast pressure. As a capitalist nation, the regulations government needs to focus on primarily are those that will force companies to change their laws for the common good. For example, the policy of planned obsolescence should be banned. As simple as it may sound, it would create a huge impact on society, which would of course change the profits of companies drastically, but what has to be done, must be done! Congress must really begin to approve legislations based on the well being of our environment and the people. This cycle has to stop, we have no back-up for the resources earth provides and it is important to make changes in the legislation. For example, I shop at Natural Grocers, if you don’t take your own re-usable bags, you get your products in a box. When you buy a lot of things, it is a pain to carry all the boxes in and out of the car! It is a small and simple example, however, if government imposed a law that ALL stores must provide boxes to all customers who do not take their own re-usable bags, the plastic consumption would dramatically decrease!
5)What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
To address environmental problems the first thing all forms of government must do is educate people about the consequences even the smallest, simplest actions have on the environment. People have to know how actions are affecting their health due to pollution due to the manufacturing and disposal of literally everything we come in contact with. From shopping every weekend, to purchasing house cleaners, speeding up on the road, etc. all give rise to environmental problems. I believe people’s attention would be obtained easily if everything is mentioned and we would begin to see changes as a society.
6)How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
New Mexico’s members of congress have positive and efficient plans set to improve and sustain a healthy environment for New Mexican’s and its wildlife. However, the Governors unexplained vetoes do not help at all. It was stated she is the most anti-environmental governor in New Mexico’s history, that is enough to know to conclude where the future of New Mexico is going in terms of its environment. Ranging from the Colleges in Energy Efficiency & Bonding Act, to Endangered Species Act Enforcement Study, all acts are vital for the environment of New Mexico. If we don’t work together today to make a difference in the future, then nothing will ever improve. On the contrary, pollution in our environment, as well as the extinction of already endangered wildlife, will just worsen. As issues get worse, it will get more difficult to find solutions to such issues.

1)What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
o The word social means “of or relating to society or its organization.” That said, environmental problems are social because they affect every single person on earth. The consequences off environmental problems are spread to each person, whether we are aware of it or not, we are affected by it with the water we drink, products we use, foods we consume, and health issues that arise due to the exposure of toxins in our environment and lack of education about important issues.

2)What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected?
o I scored a 30 in the Eco-footprint quiz. It was very similar to other quizzes I have taken on my carbon foot-print in the environment. I had already known most of the questions and information given, so I was not surprised with my score. However, I was not aware of some “solutions” that were provided to be more eco-friendly. For example, you can call a toll 1-800 number to get your name removed from junk mail.
Also, I am a vegetarian, but started out as a vegan. Thus, I knew all questions and information from the food quiz as well. Taking both quizzes, as well as reading them just reinforced my feelings towards what I do; recycle, use my own re-usable shopping bags when shopping, encourage others to reduce their carbon foot-print, talk to others about helping the environment, purchasing eco-friendly products, and most of all the reasons why I chose to become a vegetarian.
3)How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
o Sadly, environmental problems are caused due to the actions of humans that originated decades ago. In the United States, such actions were mainly for the purpose of stimulating consumption, however, all countries contribute in one way or another due to the things humans demand to live. Whether the problems range from health issues, bad economy, broken education and health care systems, or toxins in the environment, I believe the environmental problems are mainly a consequence of the system. Unfortunately, because the system; government and corporations have the total power to encourage activities that harm the environment by brainwashing the population to stimulate consumerism. Since we require things to live; food, clothing, electricity, products, etc., people are also to blame. As consumers, we are encouraging the government and corporations to keep doing what they are doing because we listen to what they have to portray to us. Whether it is by advertisements or political expressions, the people are easily influenced to unconsciously contribute to environmental problems. I believe education about all these issues is the main reason why very few people take actions. Most people are not aware of the effects of even throwing away a plastic bottle rather than recycling it.
4)Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
o Among the many steps we can each take to reduce environmental problems, are; recycling, purchasing organic foods and green/eco-friendly products, using our own re-usable bags when shopping, adjusting our thermometers at home to appropriate degrees, turning lights off and unplugging electrical cords when not in use, sharing cars for trips/ carpooling, and advocating information to others about what they can do to help reduce environmental problems.
Also, to reduce environmental problems, we can and should take broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society. Such actions would really bring attention to the current environmental problems we face and inform people that a change is necessary. Once a large number of the population takes action together, then we would see changes from the government as they would be under vast pressure. As a capitalist nation, the regulations government needs to focus on primarily are those that will force companies to change their laws for the common good. For example, the policy of planned obsolescence should be banned. As simple as it may sound, it would create a huge impact on society, which would of course change the profits of companies drastically, but what has to be done, must be done! Congress must really begin to approve legislations based on the well being of our environment and the people. This cycle has to stop, we have no back-up for the resources earth provides and it is important to make changes in the legislation. For example, I shop at Natural Grocers, if you don’t take your own re-usable bags, you get your products in a box. When you buy a lot of things, it is a pain to carry all the boxes in and out of the car! It is a small and simple example, however, if government imposed a law that ALL stores must provide boxes to all customers who do not take their own re-usable bags, the plastic consumption would dramatically decrease!
5)What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
To address environmental problems the first thing all forms of government must do is educate people about the consequences even the smallest, simplest actions have on the environment. People have to know how actions are affecting their health due to pollution due to the manufacturing and disposal of literally everything we come in contact with. From shopping every weekend, to purchasing house cleaners, speeding up on the road, etc. all give rise to environmental problems. I believe people’s attention would be obtained easily if everything is mentioned and we would begin to see changes as a society.
6)How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
New Mexico’s members of congress have positive and efficient plans set to improve and sustain a healthy environment for New Mexican’s and its wildlife. However, the Governors unexplained vetoes do not help at all. It was stated she is the most anti-environmental governor in New Mexico’s history, that is enough to know to conclude where the future of New Mexico is going in terms of its environment. Ranging from the Colleges in Energy Efficiency & Bonding Act, to Endangered Species Act Enforcement Study, all acts are vital for the environment of New Mexico. If we don’t work together today to make a difference in the future, then nothing will ever improve. On the contrary, pollution in our environment, as well as the extinction of already endangered wildlife, will just worsen. As issues get worse, it will get more difficult to find solutions to such issues.

1)What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
o The word social means “of or relating to society or its organization.” That said, environmental problems are social because they affect every single person on earth. The consequences off environmental problems are spread to each person, whether we are aware of it or not, we are affected by it with the water we drink, products we use, foods we consume, and health issues that arise due to the exposure of toxins in our environment and lack of education about important issues.

2)What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected?
o I scored a 30 in the Eco-footprint quiz. It was very similar to other quizzes I have taken on my carbon foot-print in the environment. I had already known most of the questions and information given, so I was not surprised with my score. However, I was not aware of some “solutions” that were provided to be more eco-friendly. For example, you can call a toll 1-800 number to get your name removed from junk mail.
Also, I am a vegetarian, but started out as a vegan. Thus, I knew all questions and information from the food quiz as well. Taking both quizzes, as well as reading them just reinforced my feelings towards what I do; recycle, use my own re-usable shopping bags when shopping, encourage others to reduce their carbon foot-print, talk to others about helping the environment, purchasing eco-friendly products, and most of all the reasons why I chose to become a vegetarian.
3)How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
o Sadly, environmental problems are caused due to the actions of humans that originated decades ago. In the United States, such actions were mainly for the purpose of stimulating consumption, however, all countries contribute in one way or another due to the things humans demand to live. Whether the problems range from health issues, bad economy, broken education and health care systems, or toxins in the environment, I believe the environmental problems are mainly a consequence of the system. Unfortunately, because the system; government and corporations have the total power to encourage activities that harm the environment by brainwashing the population to stimulate consumerism. Since we require things to live; food, clothing, electricity, products, etc., people are also to blame. As consumers, we are encouraging the government and corporations to keep doing what they are doing because we listen to what they have to portray to us. Whether it is by advertisements or political expressions, the people are easily influenced to unconsciously contribute to environmental problems. I believe education about all these issues is the main reason why very few people take actions. Most people are not aware of the effects of even throwing away a plastic bottle rather than recycling it.
4)Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
o Among the many steps we can each take to reduce environmental problems, are; recycling, purchasing organic foods and green/eco-friendly products, using our own re-usable bags when shopping, adjusting our thermometers at home to appropriate degrees, turning lights off and unplugging electrical cords when not in use, sharing cars for trips/ carpooling, and advocating information to others about what they can do to help reduce environmental problems.
Also, to reduce environmental problems, we can and should take broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society. Such actions would really bring attention to the current environmental problems we face and inform people that a change is necessary. Once a large number of the population takes action together, then we would see changes from the government as they would be under vast pressure. As a capitalist nation, the regulations government needs to focus on primarily are those that will force companies to change their laws for the common good. For example, the policy of planned obsolescence should be banned. As simple as it may sound, it would create a huge impact on society, which would of course change the profits of companies drastically, but what has to be done, must be done! Congress must really begin to approve legislations based on the well being of our environment and the people. This cycle has to stop, we have no back-up for the resources earth provides and it is important to make changes in the legislation. For example, I shop at Natural Grocers, if you don’t take your own re-usable bags, you get your products in a box. When you buy a lot of things, it is a pain to carry all the boxes in and out of the car! It is a small and simple example, however, if government imposed a law that ALL stores must provide boxes to all customers who do not take their own re-usable bags, the plastic consumption would dramatically decrease!
5)What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
To address environmental problems the first thing all forms of government must do is educate people about the consequences even the smallest, simplest actions have on the environment. People have to know how actions are affecting their health due to pollution due to the manufacturing and disposal of literally everything we come in contact with. From shopping every weekend, to purchasing house cleaners, speeding up on the road, etc. all give rise to environmental problems. I believe people’s attention would be obtained easily if everything is mentioned and we would begin to see changes as a society.
6)How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
New Mexico’s members of congress have positive and efficient plans set to improve and sustain a healthy environment for New Mexican’s and its wildlife. However, the Governors unexplained vetoes do not help at all. It was stated she is the most anti-environmental governor in New Mexico’s history, that is enough to know to conclude where the future of New Mexico is going in terms of its environment. Ranging from the Colleges in Energy Efficiency & Bonding Act, to Endangered Species Act Enforcement Study, all acts are vital for the environment of New Mexico. If we don’t work together today to make a difference in the future, then nothing will ever improve. On the contrary, pollution in our environment, as well as the extinction of already endangered wildlife, will just worsen. As issues get worse, it will get more difficult to find solutions to such issues.

1)What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
o The word social means “of or relating to society or its organization.” That said, environmental problems are social because they affect every single person on earth. The consequences off environmental problems are spread to each person, whether we are aware of it or not, we are affected by it with the water we drink, products we use, foods we consume, and health issues that arise due to the exposure of toxins in our environment and lack of education about important issues.

2)What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected?
o I scored a 30 in the Eco-footprint quiz. It was very similar to other quizzes I have taken on my carbon foot-print in the environment. I had already known most of the questions and information given, so I was not surprised with my score. However, I was not aware of some “solutions” that were provided to be more eco-friendly. For example, you can call a toll 1-800 number to get your name removed from junk mail.
Also, I am a vegetarian, but started out as a vegan. Thus, I knew all questions and information from the food quiz as well. Taking both quizzes, as well as reading them just reinforced my feelings towards what I do; recycle, use my own re-usable shopping bags when shopping, encourage others to reduce their carbon foot-print, talk to others about helping the environment, purchasing eco-friendly products, and most of all the reasons why I chose to become a vegetarian.
3)How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
o Sadly, environmental problems are caused due to the actions of humans that originated decades ago. In the United States, such actions were mainly for the purpose of stimulating consumption, however, all countries contribute in one way or another due to the things humans demand to live. Whether the problems range from health issues, bad economy, broken education and health care systems, or toxins in the environment, I believe the environmental problems are mainly a consequence of the system. Unfortunately, because the system; government and corporations have the total power to encourage activities that harm the environment by brainwashing the population to stimulate consumerism. Since we require things to live; food, clothing, electricity, products, etc., people are also to blame. As consumers, we are encouraging the government and corporations to keep doing what they are doing because we listen to what they have to portray to us. Whether it is by advertisements or political expressions, the people are easily influenced to unconsciously contribute to environmental problems. I believe education about all these issues is the main reason why very few people take actions. Most people are not aware of the effects of even throwing away a plastic bottle rather than recycling it.
4)Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
o Among the many steps we can each take to reduce environmental problems, are; recycling, purchasing organic foods and green/eco-friendly products, using our own re-usable bags when shopping, adjusting our thermometers at home to appropriate degrees, turning lights off and unplugging electrical cords when not in use, sharing cars for trips/ carpooling, and advocating information to others about what they can do to help reduce environmental problems.
Also, to reduce environmental problems, we can and should take broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society. Such actions would really bring attention to the current environmental problems we face and inform people that a change is necessary. Once a large number of the population takes action together, then we would see changes from the government as they would be under vast pressure. As a capitalist nation, the regulations government needs to focus on primarily are those that will force companies to change their laws for the common good. For example, the policy of planned obsolescence should be banned. As simple as it may sound, it would create a huge impact on society, which would of course change the profits of companies drastically, but what has to be done, must be done! Congress must really begin to approve legislations based on the well being of our environment and the people. This cycle has to stop, we have no back-up for the resources earth provides and it is important to make changes in the legislation. For example, I shop at Natural Grocers, if you don’t take your own re-usable bags, you get your products in a box. When you buy a lot of things, it is a pain to carry all the boxes in and out of the car! It is a small and simple example, however, if government imposed a law that ALL stores must provide boxes to all customers who do not take their own re-usable bags, the plastic consumption would dramatically decrease!
5)What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
To address environmental problems the first thing all forms of government must do is educate people about the consequences even the smallest, simplest actions have on the environment. People have to know how actions are affecting their health due to pollution due to the manufacturing and disposal of literally everything we come in contact with. From shopping every weekend, to purchasing house cleaners, speeding up on the road, etc. all give rise to environmental problems. I believe people’s attention would be obtained easily if everything is mentioned and we would begin to see changes as a society.
6)How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
New Mexico’s members of congress have positive and efficient plans set to improve and sustain a healthy environment for New Mexican’s and its wildlife. However, the Governors unexplained vetoes do not help at all. It was stated she is the most anti-environmental governor in New Mexico’s history, that is enough to know to conclude where the future of New Mexico is going in terms of its environment. Ranging from the Colleges in Energy Efficiency & Bonding Act, to Endangered Species Act Enforcement Study, all acts are vital for the environment of New Mexico. If we don’t work together today to make a difference in the future, then nothing will ever improve. On the contrary, pollution in our environment, as well as the extinction of already endangered wildlife, will just worsen. As issues get worse, it will get more difficult to find solutions to such issues.

1)What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
o The word social means “of or relating to society or its organization.” That said, environmental problems are social because they affect every single person on earth. The consequences off environmental problems are spread to each person, whether we are aware of it or not, we are affected by it with the water we drink, products we use, foods we consume, and health issues that arise due to the exposure of toxins in our environment and lack of education about important issues.

2)What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected?
o I scored a 30 in the Eco-footprint quiz. It was very similar to other quizzes I have taken on my carbon foot-print in the environment. I had already known most of the questions and information given, so I was not surprised with my score. However, I was not aware of some “solutions” that were provided to be more eco-friendly. For example, you can call a toll 1-800 number to get your name removed from junk mail.
Also, I am a vegetarian, but started out as a vegan. Thus, I knew all questions and information from the food quiz as well. Taking both quizzes, as well as reading them just reinforced my feelings towards what I do; recycle, use my own re-usable shopping bags when shopping, encourage others to reduce their carbon foot-print, talk to others about helping the environment, purchasing eco-friendly products, and most of all the reasons why I chose to become a vegetarian.
3)How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
o Sadly, environmental problems are caused due to the actions of humans that originated decades ago. In the United States, such actions were mainly for the purpose of stimulating consumption, however, all countries contribute in one way or another due to the things humans demand to live. Whether the problems range from health issues, bad economy, broken education and health care systems, or toxins in the environment, I believe the environmental problems are mainly a consequence of the system. Unfortunately, because the system; government and corporations have the total power to encourage activities that harm the environment by brainwashing the population to stimulate consumerism. Since we require things to live; food, clothing, electricity, products, etc., people are also to blame. As consumers, we are encouraging the government and corporations to keep doing what they are doing because we listen to what they have to portray to us. Whether it is by advertisements or political expressions, the people are easily influenced to unconsciously contribute to environmental problems. I believe education about all these issues is the main reason why very few people take actions. Most people are not aware of the effects of even throwing away a plastic bottle rather than recycling it.
4)Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
o Among the many steps we can each take to reduce environmental problems, are; recycling, purchasing organic foods and green/eco-friendly products, using our own re-usable bags when shopping, adjusting our thermometers at home to appropriate degrees, turning lights off and unplugging electrical cords when not in use, sharing cars for trips/ carpooling, and advocating information to others about what they can do to help reduce environmental problems.
Also, to reduce environmental problems, we can and should take broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society. Such actions would really bring attention to the current environmental problems we face and inform people that a change is necessary. Once a large number of the population takes action together, then we would see changes from the government as they would be under vast pressure. As a capitalist nation, the regulations government needs to focus on primarily are those that will force companies to change their laws for the common good. For example, the policy of planned obsolescence should be banned. As simple as it may sound, it would create a huge impact on society, which would of course change the profits of companies drastically, but what has to be done, must be done! Congress must really begin to approve legislations based on the well being of our environment and the people. This cycle has to stop, we have no back-up for the resources earth provides and it is important to make changes in the legislation. For example, I shop at Natural Grocers, if you don’t take your own re-usable bags, you get your products in a box. When you buy a lot of things, it is a pain to carry all the boxes in and out of the car! It is a small and simple example, however, if government imposed a law that ALL stores must provide boxes to all customers who do not take their own re-usable bags, the plastic consumption would dramatically decrease!
5)What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
To address environmental problems the first thing all forms of government must do is educate people about the consequences even the smallest, simplest actions have on the environment. People have to know how actions are affecting their health due to pollution due to the manufacturing and disposal of literally everything we come in contact with. From shopping every weekend, to purchasing house cleaners, speeding up on the road, etc. all give rise to environmental problems. I believe people’s attention would be obtained easily if everything is mentioned and we would begin to see changes as a society.
6)How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
New Mexico’s members of congress have positive and efficient plans set to improve and sustain a healthy environment for New Mexican’s and its wildlife. However, the Governors unexplained vetoes do not help at all. It was stated she is the most anti-environmental governor in New Mexico’s history, that is enough to know to conclude where the future of New Mexico is going in terms of its environment. Ranging from the Colleges in Energy Efficiency & Bonding Act, to Endangered Species Act Enforcement Study, all acts are vital for the environment of New Mexico. If we don’t work together today to make a difference in the future, then nothing will ever improve. On the contrary, pollution in our environment, as well as the extinction of already endangered wildlife, will just worsen. As issues get worse, it will get more difficult to find solutions to such issues.

1)What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
o The word social means “of or relating to society or its organization.” That said, environmental problems are social because they affect every single person on earth. The consequences off environmental problems are spread to each person, whether we are aware of it or not, we are affected by it with the water we drink, products we use, foods we consume, and health issues that arise due to the exposure of toxins in our environment and lack of education about important issues.

2)What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected?
o I scored a 30 in the Eco-footprint quiz. It was very similar to other quizzes I have taken on my carbon foot-print in the environment. I had already known most of the questions and information given, so I was not surprised with my score. However, I was not aware of some “solutions” that were provided to be more eco-friendly. For example, you can call a toll 1-800 number to get your name removed from junk mail.
Also, I am a vegetarian, but started out as a vegan. Thus, I knew all questions and information from the food quiz as well. Taking both quizzes, as well as reading them just reinforced my feelings towards what I do; recycle, use my own re-usable shopping bags when shopping, encourage others to reduce their carbon foot-print, talk to others about helping the environment, purchasing eco-friendly products, and most of all the reasons why I chose to become a vegetarian.
3)How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
o Sadly, environmental problems are caused due to the actions of humans that originated decades ago. In the United States, such actions were mainly for the purpose of stimulating consumption, however, all countries contribute in one way or another due to the things humans demand to live. Whether the problems range from health issues, bad economy, broken education and health care systems, or toxins in the environment, I believe the environmental problems are mainly a consequence of the system. Unfortunately, because the system; government and corporations have the total power to encourage activities that harm the environment by brainwashing the population to stimulate consumerism. Since we require things to live; food, clothing, electricity, products, etc., people are also to blame. As consumers, we are encouraging the government and corporations to keep doing what they are doing because we listen to what they have to portray to us. Whether it is by advertisements or political expressions, the people are easily influenced to unconsciously contribute to environmental problems. I believe education about all these issues is the main reason why very few people take actions. Most people are not aware of the effects of even throwing away a plastic bottle rather than recycling it.
4)Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
o Among the many steps we can each take to reduce environmental problems, are; recycling, purchasing organic foods and green/eco-friendly products, using our own re-usable bags when shopping, adjusting our thermometers at home to appropriate degrees, turning lights off and unplugging electrical cords when not in use, sharing cars for trips/ carpooling, and advocating information to others about what they can do to help reduce environmental problems.
Also, to reduce environmental problems, we can and should take broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society. Such actions would really bring attention to the current environmental problems we face and inform people that a change is necessary. Once a large number of the population takes action together, then we would see changes from the government as they would be under vast pressure. As a capitalist nation, the regulations government needs to focus on primarily are those that will force companies to change their laws for the common good. For example, the policy of planned obsolescence should be banned. As simple as it may sound, it would create a huge impact on society, which would of course change the profits of companies drastically, but what has to be done, must be done! Congress must really begin to approve legislations based on the well being of our environment and the people. This cycle has to stop, we have no back-up for the resources earth provides and it is important to make changes in the legislation. For example, I shop at Natural Grocers, if you don’t take your own re-usable bags, you get your products in a box. When you buy a lot of things, it is a pain to carry all the boxes in and out of the car! It is a small and simple example, however, if government imposed a law that ALL stores must provide boxes to all customers who do not take their own re-usable bags, the plastic consumption would dramatically decrease!
5)What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
To address environmental problems the first thing all forms of government must do is educate people about the consequences even the smallest, simplest actions have on the environment. People have to know how actions are affecting their health due to pollution due to the manufacturing and disposal of literally everything we come in contact with. From shopping every weekend, to purchasing house cleaners, speeding up on the road, etc. all give rise to environmental problems. I believe people’s attention would be obtained easily if everything is mentioned and we would begin to see changes as a society.
6)How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
New Mexico’s members of congress have positive and efficient plans set to improve and sustain a healthy environment for New Mexican’s and its wildlife. However, the Governors unexplained vetoes do not help at all. It was stated she is the most anti-environmental governor in New Mexico’s history, that is enough to know to conclude where the future of New Mexico is going in terms of its environment. Ranging from the Colleges in Energy Efficiency & Bonding Act, to Endangered Species Act Enforcement Study, all acts are vital for the environment of New Mexico. If we don’t work together today to make a difference in the future, then nothing will ever improve. On the contrary, pollution in our environment, as well as the extinction of already endangered wildlife, will just worsen. As issues get worse, it will get more difficult to find solutions to such issues.

1) What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
Environmental problems are social problems due to the fact that we all live on the same planet and in one way or another affect it. In other words, it is our society that is damaging the environment, although what goes around comes around. The damages we cause to the environment directly or indirectly affect our health.
2) What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What Was your score and is it what you expected ?
With the Eco-footprint quiz, I was not too surprised at the Eco-Apprentice score that I got. The food quiz would not give me a score, although, I was only able to answer 3 of the questions correctly.
3) How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
I believe it is a combination of both. As stated in the “Story of Stuff” video, the system is designed to produce products that don’t last as long as they used to. The system wants people to waste more in order to buy more. As individuals, we should never be more responsible, and not conform to this “wasteful” system. It seems as though society has become like a herd of sheep, when on goes left, they all go left. More people need to be that one “black sheep” and break away from the ways of the system.
4) Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and
broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
In order to break away from the ways of the system, changes must be made from the top all the way to the bottom, by this I mean from the elites to the non-elites. One step that can be taken by individuals is to become more self-sufficient. It is amazing how much a 12’x12’ or even a 10’x10’ garden can produce. At the same time, two chickens can produce several eggs, enough to survive on for sure. With this, less would be spend on groceries, and the plants would contribute to the environment. A step that legislation can take is tax cuts for the working class. Instead of giving millions in tax cuts to those who are already making billions of dollars in income, give it to those who need it, and to those who keep this country running. Tax cuts and incentives could be given to households and individuals who make efforts to be “green” by recycling, using solar power, plant gardens, and so forth. This would encourage more people to contribute to the environment instead of constantly harming it.
5) What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
I think the best thing our local, state, and national government can do is provide more incentives to individuals, rather than corporations, for being “green”. For instance, on a local scale, households that use, for example, 100 gallons or less in a billing period, will receive an ‘X’ amount credit on their water bill. This could also be done with electricity bills. This could work up the chain. State governments would reward counties, and national would reward the states. This “reward” would be what goes to the individuals. Where would this “reward” money come from, again, instead of giving major corporations and the elite 1% the money in tax cuts, give it to the working class of society.
6) How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
Other than Steve Pearce, all other congressmen did well according to the LCV. After looking at Representative Pearce’s individual scorecard, it seems that he failed on several aquatic issues. As far as agreeing or disagreeing, I can honestly say that I’m not exactly sure where I stand. I can agree with some of the issues these individuals have voted on, just as well as disagree.

The environment is a very big issue today in society. The population of the world is growing at a rapid pace. Food is scarce in various parts of the world, and the ways to obtain food are changing too. With 50% of the jobs in the world relating to agriculture, forestry, and fishing, the planet is in need of help from the people who reside on it. The population of the world must help one another in trying to preserve what remains before it is too late. I can do things in my life and around my home. I can try to persuade family and friends to do the same, but it is definitely going to take more than we could ever imagine. It is truly amazing that people don’t or won’t grasp the concept of what is at stake here. We see on film, shows depicting the world fighting aliens from outer space, but the world must unite together in order to save the planet from ourselves.
1) What makes ‘environmental problems social?’ Look up the word ‘social’
A few things make ‘environmental problems ‘social’. The earth is one giant sphere that holds all the various cultures of the world. Humans make up the different cultures, and all humans are tied together by being a living organism. The various creatures (animals) of the world are also considered to be living organisms by Wikipedia. The interacting between people and/ or animals can be voluntary or involuntary, and through this interaction, it is considered to be socializing.

2) What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What was your score and is it what you expected?
I learned that the small portion of recycling that my family and I do at home is very minute, and does not help out the world, if more and more people do not begin to recycle also. I realized after I began to recycle, I was actually utilizing only one curbside dumpster as opposed to the two that I would normally use. I believe that once Mayor Berry implements and distributes the individual recycle containers for curbside pickup, throughout the city. Recycling will gain momentum as more and more people will see the benefits, and may in fact enjoy being a part of something worthwhile.
On the food quiz, I scored 3 out of 5, but I believe I may have just made lucky guesses. I wasn’t aware that we were in the age of pharma crops. It just goes to show you that the world is so dynamic, and unless you are constantly watching news or listening to the radio, or like me, going to school. These things will merely pass us by. Like a joke we may not have understood to begin with. We will look at it later and ohhhh?
I scored a 53 on my footprint, and I didn’t know what to expect, although I did enjoy taking part and seeing that I was considered and Eco-ally. I admit, I can do more to help out, but I am pleased that I probably do more than most.
3) How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both?
System blame would be due to the way it has evolved throughout the years. It’s a dog eat dog world. The one who makes the most ($), gets the most (power), and it seems that having the most is just not enough for some people.
Person blame comes from us. Each individual getting caught up in what everyone else thinks of us by what we have, and what our value is to them. Similar to the video on stuff, if this year sleek shoes with high heels are in, and we are caught wearing clogs, or shoes that are large and thick. Then we are considered to be behind the times, a little different, and in need of some sort of help.
4) Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity.
An individual change that I could personally make would be to not give up on recycling merely because the curbside containers have not made it into my neighborhood as of yet. Honestly, I have not given up, although I have stopped making the drive to the large dumpsters as often as I would normally since they were moved to a different location and at a greater distance from my home.
On a broader scale, the Mayor of Albuquerque has continued to do good things involving the environment through recycling, composting, and continued planting of the islands (medians) along the cities roadways. We all know that plants help the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and we need more of them throughout the city.

5) What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems?
The local state government can begin or continue to pressure large companies that must comply with the call for environmental help. The Durango Herald in an article that was last updated on 2/29/2012, this morning, stated that PNM has demanded increases from its customers while not converting from the use of coal to a more environmentally friendly source of energy. PNM of course denies this by saying…, “The report on the findings are misleading”. I can say that throughout the years of being supplied electricity via PNM, I have seen numerous increases in my monthly bill statements and never any empathy from the company for any mistakes to my bills that may have results on their behalf.
President Obama and the national government must place large fines on companies that do not abide by the laws placed before them. If companies are still dumping waste into rivers and streams, this is catastrophe waiting to happen. With the increases in population and vehicles in the future as stated in the text, this will only lead to further destruction of the environment and perhaps reach a point of no return.

6) How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions?
Overall the congressman received a 65% rating. Individually the results are as follows:
111th congress / lifetime / 112th
Heinrich 100 95 91
Pearce 00 04 06
Lujan 96 97 97
The fact that Pearce is a republican and Heinrich and Lujan are Democrats, it only makes sense to me that the scores would be as they are. I believe both Heinrich and Lujan have stated and have shown to be for the people of NM. Pearce in my opinion, has only made empty promises to the people of NM.

1) What makes ‘environmental problems ‘social?’ Look up the word ‘social’ Social is defined as anything relating to society. Environmental problems are social because the environment affects society and the society/environment in which we live in.
2) What did you learn from the Eco-footprint and food quiz? What Was your score and is it what you expected ? I actually learned a lot about Eco-print and myself, where I could be conserving and reusing more to save our environment. I actually only missed one question which I was quite surprised because I didn’t know I knew so much about food, but it all came to me like common sense.
3) How could you apply person or system blame to environmental problems or is it more a combination of both? I want to say people have a lot more of a blame on environmental problems, because as consumers we take for granted a lot of our resources and realize the effect it plays on our environment. If everyone were to take the quiz and eco-print I think it would shine some light on thing we know are problems but not necessarily knowing we cause most of them.
4) Include in your comments how our environmental problem can include individual steps that we each take and broader changes that involve legislation or policy changes in the wider society by giving an example of both an individual change you could make and a wider change in society (a change brought about by a group, legislation or a change in social policy.)For example, what could be done to make school lunches healthy and nutritious and cut down on their contribution to childhood obesity? As individuals if we cut back on resources such as electricity and smarter eating we could cut out preservatives and waste. If we carpooled we could help our environment improve its pollution. There are many ways as individuals we could help our environment we do not take the time to acknowledge them. If we cut down on preservatives and ate food that was natural and healthy we could provide more healthy lunches and help childhood obesity. Better diets would help our society become more healthy as a whole.
5) What can our local state government and our national government and President do to address environmental problems? I think that possibly our government could cut down on expensive costs that require individuals to cut back on products and resources that are harmful, pass laws that cut down on preservatives and push the use of reusable and recyclable products. I think we could require all to recycle and reuse.
6) How do New Mexico’s members of Congress stack up on the environmental issue according to the League [of] Conservation Voters? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the league’s conclusions? New Mexico measure up 100% in Senate but lacks in House. Pearce is not for environmental action, which puts us under 10 for house delegations. Overall we are between 80-100% for Senate and between 60-79% for house.

Does the food system protect the average American as much as it could?
No, absolutely not. Just this year we had the chicken man and his eggs, the cantaloupe listeria, the spinach and the salmonella outbreak it created. Now they are realizing that Dr. Oz was valid in his report on arsenic in the apple juice with it even making it's way into Consumer Reports. I think the evidence speaks for it's self here.

Inspection is needed and regulated to a much higher degree. It is sparse and often a hit and miss with the current events of just this year as additional evidence. We shouldn't have to be burying people at this day and age. It's not 100 full proof, but it could be so much better than its current standing.It is disturbing to know that things are really not all that much better than 30 years ago at this point.

Nothing here was all that new to me as I had watched this for a previous course except for the fact that it is happening more than it should. I'm glad I am a cleaning nazi when it comes to food. People that it was weird that I cleaned my food with double dousing of salt and disinfecting soaps, especially with products like potatoes and cantaloupes. Now I'm not questioned as much.

The lunch system is horrendous. I used to work at Nobel Sysco several years ago now, but I know first hand what APS ordered and severed to the children as I placed and had to substitute any products out of stock with another. The other was usually a better product! It was the worst nutritionally, cheapest, nastiest tasting of all the products offered. I also was privy to tasting these products so I speak first hand. While in school my brother got sick each and every time he ate the cafeteria food. After the fourth incident my mother started giving us money to eat off campus or we packed our own. Many children do not have this option. It really is a disgrace.

Back in the day we had victory gardens and natural food. I wish we had more of a coop set up with the schools and the poor benefiting.

1) Does our food system protect the average American as much as it could?
No, because if it did it would have more affordable prices for the healthy food we should be eating.

2) Should food be inspected for health and safety or should our food be ‘Buyer Beware’?
Yes; it should be inspected. If it isn’t there is a greater chance for illness and cause for backlash from the buyers to the food growers and grocery stores selling the bad foods.

3) Did the film make you aware of anything you were not aware of?
Yes; I found that the organic foods take less effort to make than normal fruits and veggies that require pesticides and chemicals to be sprayed on them.

4) What concerns do you have about the school lunch system in America?
I feel that the lunch systems need to implement healthier options for children to choose from and increasing the amounts of fruits and vegetables that are in each meal given every day.

1) Does our food system protect the average American as much as it could?
No, because in order to eat healthy it will cost and right now people are having hard time to finding money to eat.
2) Should food be inspected for health and safety or should our food be ‘Buyer Beware’ ?
Yes you hope you feel you can trust the people are doing there job.
3) Did the film make you aware of anything you were not aware of?
I think that we know what is going on in how they process food like meat and chicken but we turn a shoulder because we like what we eat. Tyson Chicken is a good example of what we don’t want to know.
4) What concerns do you have about the school lunch system in America?
It comes down to cost. It is easy and cheap to feed the children unhealthily meals. I think it is wrong for the school system to do this to our children every day. Jamie Oliver has been able to show that you can feed the children healthy lunches at school for same cost but you have to work harder for it.

1) Does our food system protect the average American as much as it could?
*I don't believe so According to the video, Food Inc. The food we buy is made to be pretty in a sense,to attract attention to the buyer.
2) Should food be inspected for health and safety or should our food be ‘Buyer Beware’ ?
*Really both to me, this is where the "trust" comes in place.
3) Did the film make you aware of anything you were not aware of?
*yes and no, like I said the food has to be made attracted to the consumer/buyer. The spraying of the meat is way too much.
4) What concerns do you have about the school lunch system in America?
* I don't see how children can focus in class with what is fed to them in the school cafeteria. Nothing has changed since I went to school, nutrition should be the focus for our children.